The art deco apartment has become something of a trademark of Sydney’s eastern cityscape. Whilst their traditional floorplans have been somewhat sidelined due to the contemporary shift towards open-plan living, the robust structure and generous heritage character of art deco architecture makes it an ideal canvas for recasting.

It’s a challenge that appealed to established Sydney duo – designer Gray Simmonds of Gray & Co and chiropractor Cody Hanish of Combined Clinics Australia. We sat down with the pair to chat about the careful art of restoration and renewal, local life, and their ethos of leaving spaces better than they found them.  

BW: What was the vision behind the renovation of 6/16-18 Waratah Street?

GS & CH: The vision for 6/16-18 Waratah Street was to honour the apartment’s beautiful Art Deco heritage while reimagining the layout for modern living. We aimed to preserve the original architectural charm while making the space more functional, light-filled, and inviting. 

BW: You have reconfigured the layout of the apartment since you first purchased – how has the new floorplan optimised the space?

GS & CH: The original segmented layout has been transformed into a more open and modern floor plan that integrates innovative solutions for maximising space and storage. Opening the wall between the sunroom and living area welcomes an abundance of natural light into the now open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. The kitchen cabinetry has been extended to meet the ceiling and now includes space for a washer/dryer – which we have thoughtfully concealed behind joinery doors to ensure the space feels calm and uncluttered. The re-location of the kitchen also allowed us to introduce a second bedroom. The bathroom received a substantial update, with a reorientation of the shower to enlarge the space and create that luxurious feeling that is so often lost in older apartments.

BW: How would you describe your aesthetic and style direction?

GS & CH: Timeless. We seamlessly blended the best of Art Deco detailing with contemporary design elements, creating a home that feels both classic and modern—a space that will stand the test of time. 

BW: Can you tell us about your favourite features and spaces within the home?

GS & CH: The kitchen is undoubtedly a standout feature. From the 20-bottle wine display to the elegant limestone transom dividing the kitchen from the hallway, every detail has been carefully considered. The sink, perfectly positioned in front of the window, makes the space a joy to use. We also added a soft curved corner detail in the kitchen as a nod to the original curved corner in the living area—a subtle touch that ties the old and new together beautifully. The kitchen works hard, with excellent storage and thoughtful functionality, making it a space we truly love.

BW: What have you enjoyed most about living in the Rushcutters locale?

GS & CH: We love the harbourside views, the welcoming community, and the proximity to some of Sydney’s best amenities. It’s a location that truly offers a little bit of everything. And, of course, we appreciate the beauty of Rushcutters Bay Park at our footsteps.

BW: What do you hope for the new owners of 6/16-18 Waratah Street?

GS & CH: We hope the new owners appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into every aspect of this home. Whether it’s enjoying the ever-changing views from the living room—winter glimpses of the water or the summer sensation of being nestled in a treehouse—or making the most of the central location, we trust they’ll love this apartment as much as we’ve loved transforming it.

BW: What’s next for you?

GS & CH: We’re looking forward to finding our next home and embarking on a new project. Each property we take on is approached with the mindset of leaving it better than we found it—a philosophy that inspires us to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

View the listing: 6/16-18 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay